Monday, June 17 “Go early”, they said! “There won’t be crowds”, they said. “There will be snow on the ground, but the campsites will be open” . . . they said. When we came through the Crater Lake National Park West Entrance kiosk (at noon, after a 5-hour drive) the Ranger said the campground was “just open.” It was also full. We were crestfallen, and needed time to think over our options. We drove the rig 7 miles up to the Rim Village Lodge – all rooms full at the famous historic Crater Lake Lodge! We took some time and enjoyed a walk along the rim of the lake . . . walking in snow-melt water. Yes, there is still quite a bit of snow in the shaded areas. The views of the lake were a real pick-me-up from the disappointment of not getting a camping spot. Here are our first views of the lake History lesson: For millions of years Mt. Mazama built up with layer after layer of volcanic eruptions. Then, 7,700 years ago a massive week-long eruption (with vents opening in a 360 degree circle) emptied out all of the molten magma that had built up in the volcano. In one day, the whole top of the mountain gave way, broke down, caved in, and formed a sealed bowl. For the next period of formation, the bowl filled with rain and snow melt. Today it is the most pristine water in the world – no contaminates (rivers or streams) flow into the lake! We heard that Annie Creek Sno Park (10 miles away) had free camping. . . and off we went. There was a large parking lot -- nice and breezy, no mosquitoes and even bits of shade to set up in! And, did I mention it was FREE! We sat outside with interesting neighbors for over an hour; they had a massive motor home that towed a big GMC truck. They were full-timers! He was an amazing carver and showed us two walking sticks that were intricately carved as well as a wooden carving of a cougar perched on a log. For the evening we unhooked from the camper and drove back to the Rim Village and the Crater Lake Lodge. We were able to order drinks and appetizers from the gourmet restaurant and have them delivered to the outdoor deck that overlooked the lake – salmon salad for Tom and mushroom flatbread for me. Just to make the experience last longer . . . I ordered another drink! A note about the lodge: Inside and out it was in a bit of disrepair. It was built in 1915, and it doesn’t look like it has been updated over the years . . . or recently. It is rustic – but it also slips a little beyond that into dingy, dirty, outdated, and shabby. When we think of National Parks, we think of the unique and beautiful lodges that are often a part of the experience. This one could be very grand, if they would just get the funds to renovate it! Tuesday, June 18 This morning we got a campsite. Only two loops were open, the workers in the office did not have a set policy, and campers were lined up a dozen deep. But . . . we got a campsite! We spent some time getting settled, then off in the truck to drive some of the West Rim Drive. This is the high side of the Rim (highest is 1815 feet) and there was deep snow on either side of the road. We stopped frequently at the different lookouts for pictures. We made it to Discovery Point, Watchman Overlook and North Junction, less than a quarter of the entire loop road before it was still closed for the winter. For dinner we fixed colossal size shrimp on the grill, and had shrimp Raman noodles, and coleslaw. With the park still more closed than open, we returned for the evening back to the Lodge and again enjoyed the outdoor patio. This time – no food or drink – but we did enjoy the wifi! Wednesday, June 19 We slept till 8:00 and then walked over to the little café/gift shop in the campground for breakfast before heading out to tour. Much the same as yesterday, we found the road we wanted to follow to Pinnacle Valley closed. We drove to the Lodge again and walked the rim trail up to the jumping on place for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The only picture we took was one of Charlie Button and Jasper posing on the stone fence with the lake in the background! In the afternoon we hung around the camper for a while, and then walked up to the little gift shop to use the wifi. After dinner things were really winding down at Crater Lake for us as we drove up to the lodge one more time for a special treat . . . dessert. Tom had a berry cobbler and I had a cheesecake with berry topping. It was too cold to sit outside in our usual seats on the patio overlooking the lake, and we chose instead to sit inside by a fireplace. But, before leaving Tom did take one more picture of the Lodge, our patio, and the lake.
Back at the Silvermine we walked the dogs, took showers, and otherwise prepared to take off in the morning.
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |